Hosting two Rugby World Cups is an opportunity Australia cannot afford to fumble

Australian rugby has been given a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise the game in this country with the prospect of hosting back-to-back men’s and women’s World Cups only two years apart. In a tremendous fillip for the game, Australia was on Monday named the preferred candidate to host the women’s World Cup in 2029, along with the men’s tournament in 2027.

The dual World Cups have put Australia in a superb position to capitalise on the enormous global popularity of rugby, with the potential to deliver a much-needed financial boost. But it is an opportunity Australian rugby cannot afford to fumble as poor performances in the home tournaments would be disastrous for the game.

The Wallabies are currently ranked sixth in the world, just one place above their lowest-ever position, and are well behind the likes of the All Blacks, France, South Africa and even England as favourites to win the 2023 World Cup in France.

Australian rugby fans will be hoping the Wallabies can turn things around next year, but there is certainly enough time to build a winning team for 2027.

Hosting the World Cup will help Australia to create a potential champion Wallabies team. by enabling Rugby Australia to secure lucrative sponsorships and an improved broadcast deal in the lead-up to the showpiece event. A significant increase in revenue would help RA to retain and recruit talent for the 2027 World Cup campaign.

At present there are almost as many Australians playing professional rugby overseas as there are in Australia, including several high-profile Wallabies such as second-rower Rory Arnold, centre Samu Kerevi, winger Marika Koroibete and five-eighth Quade Cooper.

A tweak to the so-called Giteau Law means coach Dave Rennie will be